2025 Dodge Durango vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, with its 2024 facelift, retained a distinctive design that set it apart from other Mercedes SUVs. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille that gave it a wide stance. The side glass tapered sharply inward, creating a unique silhouette. While the GLE's proportions were somewhat unconventional, especially in the Coupe models, it maintained a strong brand identity. New paint colors and interior options, including vibrant Nappa leather, allowed buyers to personalize their vehicles, enhancing the upscale feel of the interior with features like chunky air vents and ambient lighting.

The 2025 Dodge Durango, particularly in the SRT Hellcat Premium trim with the Silver Bullet special edition package, exuded a bold and aggressive presence. The satin black hood, unique wheels, and dark badges added visual flair. Inside, the Durango combined dark red Nappa leather with a black cabin, offering a mix of comfort and sportiness. Despite some plastic surfaces, the interior felt solidly constructed. The Durango's design emphasized performance, with a focus on delivering a powerful driving experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower. The lineup included the GLE 450 4Matic with a 3.0-liter inline-six generating 375 hp, and the GLE 450e 4Matic plug-in hybrid with 381 hp and 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic featured a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp. The AMG models, GLE 53 and GLE 63 S, delivered 429 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE 63 S, with its hand-assembled V8, offered exhilarating acceleration and a distinctive engine soundtrack. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, with limited agility in tight spaces.

The 2025 Dodge Durango streamlined its powertrain options, with the GT featuring a 295-hp V6, the R/T a 360-hp V8, and the SRT Hellcat a 710-hp supercharged V8. The SRT Hellcat's engine produced 645 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. It could tow up to 8,700 pounds. Despite its power, the Durango's fuel economy was poor, rated at 12/17/13 mpg. The Durango excelled in performance, with AWD, adaptive damping suspension, and Brembo brakes. It handled like a performance vehicle, offering impressive grip and braking capability.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row specs were not published. It offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row space than rivals. The GLE provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The center console offered ample storage, and the GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds.

The 2025 Dodge Durango excelled in interior space, with heated and ventilated front seats and a spacious second row. The third row was accessible and comfortable for adults. The Durango offered 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 85.1 cubic feet with seats folded. It featured a large center console, rear climate controls, and multiple charging ports, enhancing practicality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, with MBUX offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface could be accessed through various controls, though voice recognition simplified use. AMG models included additional drive modes and settings, with off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function for enhanced visibility.

The 2025 Dodge Durango came with a Uconnect 5 system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included SiriusXM, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The SRT Hellcat featured Performance Pages for tracking performance metrics. The voice recognition system was effective but required specificity.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered numerous driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention ratings were mixed.

The 2025 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with standard forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Durango received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and had concerning results in IIHS tests, particularly in the small overlap frontal-impact test.